Pittwater Online News

Maria Louisa Therry

 Manly Beach - circa 1860 - courtesy State Library of Victoria - Image No.: H3671.

Maria Louisa Therry

1819/1822 - 1886

In Mona Vale Outrages George Champion OAM relates the history of what became known as 'Mona Vale Farm' and the persecution of any and all who took over the lease on this property, including the The Murder of David Foley as related in an earlier Issue by Shelagh Champion OAM.

As Mr Champion states:

“Mona Vale” continued to be advertised for lease until July 1862. About this time James Therry arrived in the Colony with his family. He was the nephew of the Rev John Joseph Therry, who had substantial land holdings to the north of John Farrell II. James Therry took the lease of “Mona Vale” and renovated the house for his family. However, before they could occupy the residence it was destroyed by fire, on 5 November 1862. Suspicion fell on John Farrell II, as Therry had already had occasion to speak to him about his cattle trespassing on “Mona Vale”, whereupon Farrell had said that Mr Therry would not remain on the farm for six months. At the inquest into the fire, however, the jury concluded that “the said premises, situated at Mona Vale, Pitt Water, were wilfully and maliciously set fire to, but the evidence does not clearly show who the guilty party or parties are.” According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Therry was then threatened that if he did not leave the district he might expect further injury, not only to his property but to his person.

The Therry family persevered, living in tents and a makeshift hovel. A reporter from the Empire, who visited the remains of the ruined homestead, said he saw standing near what had been the hearth of the burnt dwelling-house, a woman, who, from her manners and conversation, was evidently a lady. A number of young children were also gathered round a small hovel which had been erected on a rising ground beyond.

The lady spoken of was Maria Louisa Therry (nee Barry) born 1819, although some sources state her date of birth was 1822. Her Baptism took place in 1823, her parents being Thomas Barry and Maria (nee Gavin).

The number of young children Maria Louisa brought to Sydney was eight: Eugene (died aged 84 – born 1853), Edward, James Joseph, Birdie (Frances May), Helena Geraldine, John Nicholas Therry, Maria Elizabeth Josephine, and Gerald Joseph (died aged 9).

Right: 1840 Daguerreotype from New York( not Maria but showing dress of that period)

After corresponding with Father Therry, James Therry, emigrated from Waterford, Ireland with his wife, eight children and a servant, arriving in Melbourne on the Queen of Australia on 12 April 1862, and in Sydney by the Wonga Wonga on 17 April 1862:

Departure.— Within the past few weeks a gentleman who for some years resident amongst us, during which period officially and in the private relations of life, our very esteemed friend endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact, has, with his family, taken his departure for Sydney.The gentleman to whom we allude is James Therry, Esq., late Supervisor of Excise in the city. While discharging the onerous duties attaching to his offiicial position in this city, Mr. Therry's conduct was such is to merit the warm approbation of his superiors, and to give the utmost satisfaction to the traders and general public. After a long career, Mr. Therry retired from the public service on superannuation and, as we have, said, has sailed for another land, where his many friends wish him along and happy career. — Waterford News, January 3.— The gentlemen alluded to in the above paragraph arrived in Sydney a few days ago in the Melbourne steamer, having called there on his way. ASSASSINATION OF A YOUNG IRISHMAN IN FRANCE. (1862, April 26). Freeman's Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115760074 

The date of the article above is interesting in view of an April 23, 1862 article that relates a visit to Avalon by Father Therry includes information stating the good priest abandoned plans to preach in St Micheal's Cave due to ill health. This had been advertised numerous time prior to the excursion as the 'inaugural' sermon in this cave. An Empire report (The Story of Mona Vale - below) seems to state that James Therry may have been among the excursionists and this is when he first fell in love with Pittwater. See:  A Steamer to Pittwater, A Run to Pittwater, A Trip to Pittwater and A Brief Respite - In Pittwater! 

Despite Father Therry's extensive land grants at what we now call 'Avalon' the Therry's struck out on their own, taking the lease at Mona Vale Farm. While her husband set to work repairing the house on this property to make it fit for his family, Maria Louisa appears to be a trained housekeeper, who not only found time to look after her children, having brought a nurse with her and being used to employing and managing servants, but also to go into business herself:

TO BE LET, MONA VALE.-This well-known Dairy and Agricultural Farm, at Pittwater, close to Manly Beach, is now offered on Lease in one block, or will be divided in small farms, on clearing leases, for a term of years. The grant is 700 acres ; but a much greater is comprised, forming not only a rich Agricultural and Dairy Farm, with abundance of fine timber, but an extensive and secure horse and cattle run, well watered, within an hour's drive to the steamers at Manly, for the Sydney markets. The homestead consists of about forty acres of paddocks, with farm-house and out-buildings. APPLY F. O'BRIEN, 320, George-street. Advertising (1862, July 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2 (The Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13231223 

MRS. J. THERRY begs to inform her friends and the public, that she has opened a new GROCERY ESTABLISHMENT at No. 68, William street, Woolloomooloo, which will be supplied with a choice selection of Teas, Sugars, Spices,Bacon, Hams, Flour, Cheese. Butter, &c, suited for family use. MRS. THERRY hopes by unremitting attention, as well as a strict regard to the interest of those who may kindly favour her with their custom, to merit a share of public patronage. Advertising. (1862, September 17). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115760364 

MRS. J. THERRY- same as above: Advertising. (1862, November 15). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115429062 

William Street, Sydney, ca. 1889, courtesy Powerhouse Museum

While Louisa worked or managed this business, her husband kept himself busy as well. While a report around the time he took the lease at Mona Vale includes an indication that he may well have had a bit of a temper as he too was fined £1 for striking Barbara Selwyn who may have struck him first during one visit to his Sydney town housed family:

Frederick Selwyn, Barbara his wife, and Janet the daughter, appeared on summons, to answer the information of James Therry, who charged them with having unlawfully assaulted him. He deposed that, about a week since, he was returning home in the dusk of the evening, when some persons at some distance from the road called to him, making use of both abusive and insulting words; not recognising the voices,-it was too dark to distinguish the persons at such a distance-he went toward them, to know why such language was used toward him ; he followed them into a yard at the back of a house, and spoke to them; Mrs. Selwyn was the first to assault him, striking him on the head with something like a glass bottle, the daughter struck him with a crutch, and the male defendant struck him on the arm with a spade; the blow on the head cut him, and he bled from the wound until he was almost insensible. Defendants were each found guilty : Frederick was sontenced to pay a penalty of £3, or to be imprisoned one month, Barbara, to pay £2, or to be imprisoned fourteen days ; and Janet to pay 10s. or to be imprisoned forty-eight hours.. CENTRAL POLICE COURT. (1862, August 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13232736

HEIFERS wanted.-From 20 to 100 Heifers wanted to purchase; to be delivered at Sydney. Parramatta or Pitt Water. Apply to JAMES THERRY, 66 William-street. Advertising. (1862, September 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13234150

TO BOAT-OWNERS.-Wanted, a 40 or 50-ton BOAT ON HIRE, for the carriage of billet wood from Pittwater to Sydney. Apply to Mr. JAMES THERRY, 66, William-street. Advertising. (1862, October 7). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13235120

Having prepared the premises at Mona Vale, James Therry set off to Sydney Town to collect his family

FIRE AT PITT WATER-INQUEST-The City Coroner, on Saturday last, held an investigation into the cause of this fire, which occurred at Mona Vale, a farm of Captain Darley's the inquiry was concluded on Monday the 1st instant, and from the evidence it appeared that the farm for a long time had been tenantless, and used as a common by one Mr. Farrell, and one or two others. About four months ago the farm was taken by Mr Therry, who prevented the cattle of other people from trespassing, to the wounding of the feelings of his neighbours, who had used the place so long. On the 5th November Mr. Therry was in Sydney, and the farm was in charge of a man named Madden, who went on with the usual work of the place in the morning he came to the kitchen for breakfast, in company with another man, named Turner, and again left for work, leaving everything right, the same at dinner. But between three and four o clock they saw smoke in the direction of the house. Mr Farrell was seen near the house about two o'clock the same day A number of witnesses were examined, but their was no direct evidence to show how the house was set on fire. It was situated at great distance from any other house.  The jury returned the following verdict-"We find that the dwelling-house and out-houses at Mona Vale were wilfully and maliciously set fire to on the 5th November, but the evidence does not clearly show who the guilty person or persons may be"-Abridged from S  M Herald. SYDNEY NEWS. (1862, December 6). The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18692398

Pittwater Church of England and Bolton's Farm from the Road; illustration from the Pittwater and Hawkesbury Lakes Album. 1880, Courtesy the Mitchell Library

Maria Louisa was still advertising her grocery business ten days after this fire but the destruction of the dwelling house, along with £150 worth of furniture that had been bought to furnish it, and the purchase of cattle to stock the property with, may have caused a reduction in the finances of the Therry's.  Louisa, her nurse and her eight children had arrived just in time for a series of events that culminated in the destruction of her husband's whole herd of cattle. The persecution by the Farrell's and the 'mad' Collins of Narrabeen went on from the outset until 1865. These records, while distressing to read through but are also the only place we may hear how Maria Louisa spoke. 

Also, as stated by her, she was absent during some of these incidences and her then eighteen year old daughter, Maria Elizabeth Josephine Therry, who was also called to give evidence at the subsequent trials, may have been fulfilling the duties of housekeeper on the farm. In some of the reports of this trial, which went on for almost a year, Maria Elizabeth is said to be the second daughter. 

There is also the targeting of Maria by the Farrell's, to discredit her testimony, to cause more distress, more money to be spent on defence. Reports from this time state unremitting rain, and how that affects young children, as well as being accustomed to more suitable surroundings and lodgings, would have caused Maria to find shelter where she could keep her young ones safe, dry and warm :

John Farrell, senior, of Pitt Water farmer, was charged by James Therry, of Mona Vale, Pitt Water, with refusing to pay the sum of three shillings as satisfaction for trespass, committed on the property occupied by complainant, by six head of cattle, the property of defendant, on the 3rd instant. Defendent was ordered to pay 3s., with 6s. 6d, costs of Court; in default of payment, to be imprisoned during twenty-four hours.  John Farrell, junior, son of the above named defendant, was charged by the same complainant with unlawfully rescuing fifteen head of cattle, which had been lawfully seized in land of which complainant was the occupier, for the purpose of being impounded. Fined 20s., with 6s. 6d. costs of Court; or, in default of payment, to be imprisoned during three days. WATER POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. (1863, July 15). Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60545153

Maria Louisa Therry, of Mona Vale, Pittwater, was charged with having, on the 30th June last, in the course of an enquiry before this Court into a charge preferred by her husband against Malcolm Turner and one Wright for cutting down a fence, committed wilful and corrupt perjury. In having sworn that Turner and Wright cut down the fence, and also in having sworn that the posts of the fence were split and morticed. Two witnesses were examined as to the swearing of defendant on the occasion when the alleged perjury was said to be committed; but as neither of these nor any other person was present to prove that she had been sworn, the case was dismissed.

John Farrell, of Pittwater, was charged with refusing to pay on demand the sum of 5s. 6d. for-the trespass of his cattle on land occupied by James Therry. The Bench ordered the payment of 4s. WATER POLICE COURT. (1863, July 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13081973

Malcolm Turner, remanded from Thursday last  on the charge of having, on the 20th  August last, with divers others, stolen ten cows, valued at £90, or thereabouts, the property of James Therry, of Pittwater, farmer, was further remanded until Friday, next, at eleven a.m. WATER POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. (1863, September 9). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60548012 

REWARD.-Lost, large grey HORSE, brand near shoulder E over J, from Mr. Therry's estate, Pittwater. Apply 320, George-street. Advertising (1863, November 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13091415 

James Therry, Maria Louisa Therry, his wife, and Maria Elizabeth Josephine Therry, their daughter, aged eighteen years, deposed that they missed the cattle (milch cows) from their farm on the 20th of August, 1863. The cows, which were valued at £9 each, were quiet cows, and accustomed to the run. On the afternoon of Wednesday, the 20th August, it was noticed by them ... unusual ... that one of the missing cows came running home from the direction of prisoners' farm. On the following day (Friday, August 21) Miss Therry was looking for the tracks of the cattle when the heard the reports of shots fired, which apparently came from thedirection of Farrells. She want to a part of their property nearest Farrell's, when she saw Mrs. Farrell walking with a ...., she thought, near the boundary of their farm. Whilst there I  heard four loud reports from sound...  fired from the back of prisoner's house. On that morning James Therry, the complainant, was about fifty or sixty yards from Farrell's, watching their movements; and whilst there he saw Malcom Turner mount a horse and ride in the direction of his (Therry's) house, when he returned in half an hour, having had time to go very near to the house. On the following day(Saturday, 22nd) Miss Therry again went In search of the cattle, and on that morning a bull which had been accustomed to go with the cows returned from the direction of Farrells. On that afternoon she saw Mrs. Farrell in a cart coming from the direction of Manly Beach. Malcolm Turner, whom she had seen an hour before going in the direction of Manly, was then returning behind the cart. The evidence of these three witnesses(the Therrys) and of Frank Collins (boatman at Custom's Station), all of whom were looking for the missing cattle, ....had reference to the "tracks," to the effect that footprints of cattle were discovered on the boundary of Farrell's farm, and were tracked in the reverse direction to that in which the cattle had been driven to the Iron Bark Ridges. SECOND COURT. (1864, December 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13112344

I hereby solemnly declare, with reference to any testamentary documents of mine, that my brothers James and Stephen Therry, the former of Hobart Town, the latter of Cork, Ireland, and my sister Jane Ann Therry of Hobart Town, are the only relatives to whom I could conscientiously bequeath any portion of my real property, and even to them only such portion of it as may secure to each of them an annuity of seventy-seven pounds during their natural lives respectively. 

To James Therry, late of Waterford, where he filled the office of supervisor of the revenue department, I did and do bequeath the sum of fifty pounds sterling. 

John Joseph Therry, A.P. 

Balmain, 20th December, 1862. 

CODICIL. In the name of our most merciful Lord. 

As a codicil to my last will and testament, I wish to certify to my Executors, who are the Honorable John Hubert Plunkett Q.C., John O'Sullivan Esq. Manager of the Commercial Bank Goulburn, Mr. John Vardy, Menangle, Mr. Patrick Joseph Hogan senior, Balmain, and Mr. John Taylor, commission agent Parramatta, that it is my wish that they should endeavour for the benefit of religion, morality, and education, to carry out or give effect to my intentions with respect to the land property with which I have been blessed, namely to establish five villages which are likely to become respectable towns — the principal one at Pitt Water to be called Josephton ; the next 

at Williams River to be called Laurenceton; the next at George's River to be called Georgeton ; the next at Cattai Creek to be called Alfredton ; and one at Bong Bong, the last but not least, Andrewville. 

As I have not mentioned the name of Mr. James Therry, late of Waterford now of Sydney, in any will of mine as a legatee, as it is only very recently that I have become acquainted with him, I now bequeath to him fifty pounds to be paid to him by my Executors above-named. And I hereby confirm my last will and the codicil to it with the exception of the Executorship which is to consist of the above- named gentlemen alone. 

John Joseph Therry. 

Witness: Maria Hogan.

Patrick Joseph Hogan junior. 

Retrieved from: http://archive.org/stream/lifeandlettersof00obriuoft/lifeandlettersof00obriuoft_djvu.txt 

James Therry may not have endeared himself to his uncle as, from the same book, in reference to mining for coal at Priests' Flat, Avalon:His nephew recalls, with some indignation, that, although there were many good Irishmen unemployed in Sydney, his uncle employed Germans and Italians at the mine. Many men were engaged, and the expenses mounted high, whilst the existence of coal still remained problematical. After Father Therry's death the trustees continued the work, in the hopes of finding a rich seam. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH, MANLY BEACH

A short time since we intimated that it was the intention of the Rev. Dr. Powell of St. Leonard's, to take the neoessary steps to build a Catholic Churcb at Manly Beach. Having applied to Mr. Smith who owns most of the land in that locality, that gentleman very readily allowed Dr. Powell to exchange the former site which was not very well situated; for a more eligible one not far from the pier. On last Sunday the Catholics of Manly Beach and Pitt Water assembled at the former place, as it had been announced that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass would be celebrated. Accordingly a large number assembled in a paddock facing the Steyne Hotel in which a tent had been erected where a very neat altar has been raised by the exertions of Mrs. Therry and the Misses Brown. 

There were also a few who had gone from Sydney to join in the ceremony.  A small portion had been screened off where several young ladies sang the usual parts of a Miss Cantata. During 'the robing the Easter Hymn of 'O filli et filiae'' was sung. After the Gospel the Rev. Dr. Powell preached a very eloquent sermon, taking  as his text the fifth and sixth verses from the first chapter of the book of Esdres, beginning, “Then the priests and Levites rose up to build a temple to the Lord.” 

The reverend gentleman alluded to the universal belief which existed in the human heart of paying honour to a superior Being, as exemplified in the pagan nations who fell down in adoration before moons and stars and other creatures. Sacrifices had been offered up from the creation of the worId……

….in which were kept the manna and the rod of Aaron. David, the man according to God's own heart, planned the building of a mighty temple to the Lord but owing to his transgressions this was reserved for his son Solomon.They had read of the splendour of that temple, and after its destruction by Nabuchodonosor and the profanation of the sacred vessels, when in captivity the Jews refused to sing their songs because they were deprived of their temple. The Rev. preacher next alluded to the temples built under the new dispensation, the humblest of which was far above the magnificent temple of Solomon because it contained the real body and blood of Jesus Christ each time that the sacrifice of the Mass was offered. Dr. Powell then spoke of the attempts made some six years ago to build a church there, which, owing to the few Catholics, could not be carried out. A renewal would now be made and from the zeal already shown be felt sure of success. Mass then proceeded at the termination of which a collection was made, which must have been highly pleasing to Father Powell as showing the earnest zeal of the Catholics of Manly to have a church built.

As the population of that locality increases the want of a place where Catholics can hear Mass becomes each day more  apparent. It is the only watering place near Sydney and during the summer months many Catholic families reside there, so that a church would be a great blessing. On these grounds Dr. Powell looks forward to receiving assistance from the Catholics of Sydney as a Catholic Church at Manly Beach will be nearly as great a boon to them as to the residents of that locality.

CATHOLIC CHURCH, MANLY BEACH. (1865, May 10).Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 292. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128800418 

MANLY BEACH  

A vast concourse of holiday folks repaired to Manly Beach yesterday, determined to inaugurate the New Year by a visit to the sea-side and ramble through the woods in that vicinity. The Phantom, the Breadalbane, the Urara, and the Illalong steamers were crowded with passengers of both sexes as they came down the harbour from Sydney, and returned to fetch thence those who were desirous of following the more early excursionists. The little township was decked out with flags, streamers, and booths in the usual style, presenting much the appearance of an old fashioned village fair in the mother country. Along the strand of inner bay, along the ocean beach, and through the pleasant woods multitudes of people spread themselves in high glee, each merry group bentupon its own ideas of enjoyment. Here, "under the greenwood tree," pater familias and a large youthful party of Australians, more or less subject to hisparental control, were intent upon viands providently brought from their city home: near them was a picnic  of a more sentimental character, and further on the  shouts of cornstalk lads, in rough and boisterous play, told that some practical joke, or neck-or-nothing sport was going on, till the echoes resounded again. At Mr. Lambourne's, the Pier Hotel, excellent refreshments were liberally provided for the hungry and thirsty throng, and an equal attraction was evidently afforded by Mr. Browne's establishment-the Steyne Hotel, which has risen from its ashes like the fabled Phoenix, all  the better for its fiery disaster. In an agreeable enclosure opposite, where many of the original trees have been judiciously left to shade the revellers, the vocal humours of a serenading troupe were in requisition on a rustic stage, and near this centre of attraction there was no end of swinging, of skittles, football, and other diversions. As a rule, good order and good feel-ing seemed to prevail everywhere, both here and in every other place where the people assembled. We observed a hat temptingly displayed on the top of a pole but whether it was eventually carried of by some aspiring climber or not, we are unable to say.  A goodly number of persons visited the bazaar, in aid of the Episcopalian Church Fund, held in the old building a few yards from the handsome Gothic structure now so nearly completed, and so great an ornament to the locality. The ladies who were kind enough to mind the stalls no doubt realised something for the funds, but the majority of those who went to Manly were too delighted to be in the open air to think much about a bazaar. The arrangements as the steamers appeared to be unobjectionable, and no accident is believed to have  occurred to mar the festivities of the occasion. MANLY BEACH. (1865, January 3). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30935384

MANLY BEACH.-Margate HOUSE; superior Apartments. Margate Cottage, furnished. Mrs. Therry. Advertising. (1866, February 9). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13126103

Purves cottages - Whistler Street, Manly. Margate House was on Whistler Street.

Maria's trails were not over. In 1866 Margate House, owned then by William Henry Aldis, who needed to liquidate some assets to meet some debts, was advertised for sale. Maria had already moved into town prior to this, into premises at Wynyard Square, which was coincidentally named 'Mona':

MONA HOUSE, 13, Jamison-street. - Mrs. THERRY (late of Margate House, Manly Beach) begs to inform her friends and visitors to Sydney that she has opened the above central and healthfully-situated house as a private boarding establishment. Advertising. (1866, August 7). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28612500 

The property known as Margate House, grounds, and cottages, at Manly Beach, will be sold to-morrow (this day) by Mr. W. Dean, on the ground, by order of the trustees in the estate of W. H. Aldis. COMMERCIAL. (1865, October 11). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63238081

Description of Margate House at right from: Advertising.(1865, October 7). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13120048

There are many advertisements for Mrs Therry at Mona House. Another woman also advertised boarding house rooms at Mona House, indicating the property was a fair size:

WANTED, a good Female COOK.- Apply, Mrs. Therry, Mona House, 13, Jamison-street. Advertising. (1866, November 23).The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13147211 

APARTMENTS  vacant. Mrs. Therry's, Mona House, 13, Jamison-street. Single and family rooms. Advertising. (1868, January 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13158964 

LOST, STOLEN, or STRAYED, a Brown GOAT.  Whoever will bring the same to Mona House, 13, Jamison-street, will be rewarded ; any person detaining it after this notice will be prosecuted. Advertising. (1868, June 18). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13168001 

HANDSOME Drawing-Room, with balcony and bedrooms. Mrs. Therry's, Mona House, Wynyard sq. 

MONA HOUSE, 13, Jamison-street.-Mrs. WEEKS has a vacancy for a few gentlemen as permanent boarders on very moderate terms ; large bath-room, plunge and shower baths ; every comfort and attention. Advertising. (1868, December 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13177256 

MIDDLE-AGED Lady required, as GOVERNESS, in a Gentleman's family, at Grafton ; requirements French, music, and drawing. Apply at Mona House, 13, Jamison-street, between the hours of 10 and 1. Advertising. (1868, November 23). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13176061 

WANTED, an active LAD, who can wait at table. Mrs. Weeks, Mona House, 13, Jamison-street. Advertising. (1868, November 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13176140

DRAWING-ROOM SUITE and other ROOMS vacant for families and gentlemen ; piano; baths; every convenience; terms, moderate Mrs. Weeks, Mona House,13, Jamison-street.Advertising. (1869, June 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13182660 

CHAR-WOMAN wanted Mrs Weeks, 13, Jamison-street . COOK and LAUNDRESS wanted Mrs Weeks, at Mona House, 13, Jamison street Advertising. (1870, March 5). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13201604 

THE FRIENDS of Mr. EDWIN WEEKS are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his deceased WIFE, Keturah. To move from her residence,  Mona House, No. 13, Jamison-street, THIS (Monday) AFTERNOON, at half-past 2 o'clock. JAMES CURTIS Undertaker, 59, Hunter-street.  Family Notices. (1870, June 27). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13207466 

BOARD and Residence; piano, bath. Mrs. Pilcher's, Bengal (late Mona)  House, 13, Jamison-street. Advertising. (1870, December 12). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28418230 

HANDSOME Drawing-room with balcony and bedrooms Vacant. Mrs. Therry's, Mona House, Wyn.-sq,  Advertising. (1870, December 17). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13220943

Above: Wynyard Square -1862, courtesy State L:ibrary of NSW

Below: Wynyard Square 1879 and below that: Petty's Hotel Wynyard Square - 1892 - from Town and Country Magazine

The move to Wynyard Square and reference to 'healthfully situated' premises are two word glimpses into what Maria and her nurse may have been battling with. Manly was known for having a flea plague around this time. There is also in some records indicate James Therry left Ireland for health reasons. Smallpox, Measles, Scarlet Fever, Typhus, Whooping Cough, Diptheria and 'Consumption', which we now call Tuberculoisis, were all diseases that reached epidemic proportions in Ireland, aided along by The Famine, and many who escaped such appalling conditions by fleeing to other lands such as America and Australia, ultimately brought what they were running from with them.

1867 brought two tragedies to her life, the loss of a beloved son, and the loss of her husband who went as part of a crowd of many to goldfields in Queensland:

On the 11th instant, at Mona House, 13, Jamison-street, GERALD JOSEPH THERRY, aged 9 years.  Family Notices. (1867, March 21).The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13138076

 

THE MORNISH DIGGINGS.

During the week several residents of Rockhampton have visited the Mornish diggings, one of whom has obligingly furnished as with the following particulars:—The Mornish gold-fields are situated about thirty-two miles distant from Rockhampton, on a spur of, or branch of the Main Coast Range, near the great north arm of the Fitzroy River. The spur divides the waters of the Fitzroy and the Dee. The present diggings cover an area of about five or six square miles, with scattered population of about 300 persons. From the geological formation of the country, and the reports gathered from the diggers located thereon, many of whom appear perfectly satisfied with the results of  their labor, there is reason to believe that when the country is properly prospected by practical miners, many of whom are on the ground at the present time, most satisfactory results will ensue. The prospectors who have worked their claims in a proper manner, and have preserved water, are able to show astounding results. Upon questioning the general body of the diggers our informants learnt that many of them were doing remarkably well. Others have not been so successful, but the general impression appears to be want of water. Gold is procurable on the surface, and in some places is distinctly visible after rain. The depth of the present workings is not over five feet. The people are much scattered and are working up the small gullies, and in the bed of dried creeks. Bee-day should be got up among the diggers at each gully to !erect dams for the purpose of saving water. Rockhampton is supposed to be situated in the centre of an extensive gold-field.— Bulletin.THE MORNISH DIGGINGS. (1867, February 16). The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20311865 

On the 4th instant, at the Mornish Gold-field, near Rockhampton, James Therry, Esq., aged 63 years, late Supervisor of Inland Rerenue, Waterford, Ireland, leaving a wife and large family to mourn their sad bereavement. Family Notices. (1867, December 23). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60848801 

James Therry (1815-1867) – : Al;liance Mine circa 1890

On the 4th instant, at the Mornish Goldfield, near Rockhampton, JAMES THERRY, Esq., aged 52 years, late Supervisor of Inland Revenue, Waterford, Ireland, leaving a wife and large family to mourn their sad bereavement. Family Notices. (1867, December 21). TheSydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28608303

There is no indication that James finally had a stroke of luck on the goldfields of Mornish; considering the bad health and trials after coming to New South Wales, a stroke of another kind seems more likely....unless.... 

LOST, near cab stand, Victoria-street, Gold LOCKET and Key. Mrs. THERRY, Darlinghurst Road. Advertising. (1875, July 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13356725   

As seen above,conflict may have arisen when Mrs. Week's was replaced by Mrs. Pilcher. Maria, taking the name 'Mona' with her, moved:

APARTMENTS  Vacant. Mrs. Therry's, Mona House, 236, Darlinghurst Road. Advertising. (1872, September 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13263319 

APARTMENTS VACANT for families and gentlemen. Mrs. Therry's, 236, Darlinghurst Road.  Advertising. (1872, November 19). TheSydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13318875

And here she lost another son:

On the 6th January, of consumption, at the residence of his mother, 236, Darlinghurst Road, in the 21st year of his age, EDWARD, second son of the late JAMES THERRY, Esq., of Kingville, Waterford, Ireland. Family Notices. (1873, February 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1332173   

THE FRIENDS of the deceased Mr. EDWARD THERRY are respectfully invited to attend his  Funeral ; to move from his residence, 236, Darlinghurst Road, near St. John's Church, THIS (Wednesday)AFTERNOON, at a quarter-past 2 o'clock, to Catholic Cemetery, Petersham. J. CURTIS, Undertaker, Hunter-st. Family Notices. (1873, January 8). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13316915 

During the years preceding Edward's death and after it there are reports showing Eugene may have had a bit of a temper and fire in his veins; partly from his mother and his father's, and partly due to his own experiences

Eugene Therry was fined 10s, or the alternative of three days gaol, for behaving in a riotous manner. Patrick Farrell and William M'Grath were sent to gaol for six mouths, under the Vagrant Act. Police Courts, This Day. (1870, November 8). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107134794 

Eugene Therry, in addition to being fined for drunkenness, was further fined in the sum of 10s., with the alternative of six days in gaol for using obscene language. WATER POLICE COURT. (1873, July 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13321205 

Eugene Therry, 24, carpenter, was fined 16s., or two days in gaol, for having been drunk and disorderly in Pitt-street ; 20s., or seven days in gaol for having made use of indecent language in George-street; and, further, 20s., or seven days in gaol, for having assaulted constable Macdonald in the execution of his duty.  WATER POLICE COURT. (1875, April 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13354849

Eugene being a carpenter was a boon. Builders were constructing premises left right and centre in Darlinghurst during these decades - the suburb went from being 'wooded' ('hurst' means wooded) with Chinese market gardens, to being the rows of terrace houses still associated with this early suburb of Sydney. These were often then rented out, many furnishing women with the opportunity to provide a livelihood for themselves and keep a roof over their children's heads. 

1875 was also the year Maria's last living relatives, and youngest members of Father Therry's family, his brother and sister, passed away:

THERRY – On 10th of January at his late residence, Harrington street, James Therry aged 83 years. The funeral will move from St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday next, the 20th instant. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. R.I.P.  Family Notices. (1875, January 19). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8934742 

Death of a Brother and Sister of the Late Archpriest Therry. — The following extract from a letter relative to the death of the brother and sister of the late very Rev. John Joseph. Therry, Archpriest, may be interesting to many of the early colonists. ' We have recently buried Miss Therry and Mr. James Therry. Miss Therry died on 21st December, 1874, aged 72, and James Therry died January 18th, 1875, aged 84. They had lived together all their lives, and they were soon united in death. They both had all the helps and consolations of religion. In going through the papers we found many interesting souvenirs of the early days of the colony, amongst the rest the following card : — ' Rev.Mr. Therry.  Lady Franklyn at borne on Wednesday evening, September 19, from 9 to 12  o'clock.'' THE AUSTRALASIAN HOLY CATHOLIC GUILD OF ST. MARY AND ST. JOSEPH. (1875, March 13). Freeman's Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115476545

In 1878 'Mona' House was left for a premises the Therry family would manage:

A DRAWING-ROOM and Bedrooms vacant, at Mrs. Therry's, Hosketh, 115, Victoria-street North. Advertising. (1878, March 26).The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28397465

Everything seemed to go well here for a few years, her sons still lived with her, as did her unmarried daughters. Maria Elizabeth Josephine Therry had married John Arthur Ormsby in 1870, and had six grandchildren for Maria prior to a repeat of what her mother had experienced, being widowed, with a lot of children, at a very young age. While Eugene continued....:

Eugene Therry, carpenter, was fined 10s. for being drunk, 20s. for using obscene language, and was sent to prison for assaulting constable Stuart in the execution of his duty. WATER POLICE COURT. (1881, February 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13483318 

ORMSBY.-October'5, at Sydney, John Arthur Ormsby, of Pyrmont, aged 38 years, youngest son of the late Lewis Ormsby, Esq., Church Park and Emla, county Roscommon, Ireland. Family Notices. (1884, October 18). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 42. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71018921

John Arthurs parents: 1824: At Donnammon Church, on Monday, the 3d instant, Lewis Ormsby, Esq., eldest son of the Rev. Sidney Ormsby, late of Grange, in the county of Roscommon, to Jane Marcella, second daughter of Mark Anthony Mills, of Tempo, in the said county, Esq., and niece to the late Earl of Arran. http://members.iinet.net.au/~nickred/newspaper/np_abst63.htm

 

Maria Elizabeth and John Arthur's children were  Inez M (born 1872), Gerald (born 1875), Eugene Arran (born 1878), Netteville Arran (born 1879) Antoinette Arran (born 1881) and Pauline Arran (born 1883). Maria Elizabeth seems to have her mother's backbone as she is listed as the leesee of two properties in Pyrmont way after her husband's passing; 

Estate George Harris. Josephine Ormsby (lessee) - 196 Bulwarra Road, Pyrmont, Netterville Ormsby, year: 1911 – house and stables; 60 Gipps street, Pyrmont year: 1911 Leesee Josephine Ormsby owner: Peter Bierschenk - 1911. Pyrmont records

Maria's trials seemed to continue somewhat at 'Hosketh';

AN ALLEGED HOUSEBREAKER

George Thompson was charged with having been found by night on the premises of Mrs Maria Louisa Therry- NO.115,- Victoria-street, also with having been found with implements of housebreaking in his possession. Mr. James Therry and his brother gave evidence to the effect that on the night of the 5th instant they were awakened by a noise in the house. On getting up (after midnight) they saw three men who immediately decamped up a lane close by. They were pursued-and the prisoner, who was one of-them, was caught after a struggle, by Mr. James Therry,  who at the time was clad only in his nightshirt. Prisoner,who had no boots on, was thrown down and held until assistance came. When arrested close to the house, he had a bunch of skeleton keys, a box of lucifer matches, a quantity of tapers, a chisel a screwdriver and a springback knife. Prisoner did not call any witnesses, nor address the jury in his defence. He was found guilty on both counts of the indictment, and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with hard labour. Quarter Sessions. (1883, January 30).Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107231323 

The mention of 'and his brother' may refer to John Nicholas or to Eugene, who may not have been named due to another outburst just days before:

For rising indecent language in the Domain, Eugene Therry was fined 60s at the Water Police Court on Wednesday. BREVITIES. (1883, January 25). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107230452 

In 1886 Maria Louisa Therry passed away at Mona House, Glenmore road, Darlinghurst:

THERRY. —October 1, at her residence, 137, Glenmore-road, Maria Louisa, widow of the late James Therry.  Family Notices. (1886, October 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28351154

THE FUNERAL of the late Mrs. MARIA LOUISA  THERRY will leave her late residence, 137, Glenmore-road, THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at a quarter before 3 o'clock, for the Waverley Cemetery. P. KIRBY, Undertaker - Family Notices. (1886, October 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28351234

These photos show the Chinese market gardens(top) that originally occupied all of Rushcutters Bay.  These were cleared in the 1890s.  Also prominent in the photo is the quarry on Cascade street and the clock tower of Paddington Town Hall.  The houses on the corner of Cambridge street and Glenmore road in the top right of this image shown below. Glenmore rd which took its name from the distillery (which itself took its name from a place in Scotland). DISTILLERY, THE SYDNEY - In 1823, partners Robert Cooper, Francis Forbes and James Underwood obtained a grant of 100 acres in north-east Paddington as incentive to establish a licensed distillery (the Sydney Distillery). Buildings to the east included a granary (store) and water mill for crushing the grain. The latter drew water from a dam on Glenmore Brook just below the escarpment near the end of Harris Street. Finding the operation unprofitable, Underwood leased the plant to Abercrombie and Mackay in 1836 who also found it difficult to run and turned to leather making by 1842 setting up a tannery in the store building - this was later carried on by John Begg and Ebenezer Vickery. In the same year, the lease was acquired by Henry Fisher, another distiller who ran into difficulties after the collapse, in 1844, of the upper dam (bottom of Elizabeth Street named after James' second wife). The complex was abandoned in the early 1860's and demolished in 1875 when subdivision of that part of Paddington took place. These photos are circa 1890-1898.

Her sons remained in the Glenmore road property, James Joseph mentioning 'gold' again:

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

Sir,-In reply to Mr. Skeet's letter which appears in the columns of the Herald of the 20th instant, and also one of a previous date, I would like to point out, for the information of those who are taking an interest therein, that there is nothing to fear any longer on that score, since a machine has been invented and patented by Mr. J. H. Rowland which, it is claimed by him, will save at least 99 per cent., if not absolutely all of the gold now lost by the ordinary method of extraction by the stamp battery ; and a company, known as the " Excelsior Gold Amalgamator Company," has been formed, and is now on the eve of commencing operations, having the machine and all requisites on the ground, in the Orange district, which will, I am satisfied, verify all that Mr. Rowland has claimed for the machine. It is well known by all miners of experience that the cause of loss in crushing stone for gold has been the inability to save ," float" or " flour" gold. This is the especial obstacle which has been overcome by the energy  and long perseverance of the patentee of this machine, and henceforth we may look in vain for the languishing of our Quartz reefs, or waste of national wealth. 

I am, &c, JAMES J. THERRY.

137, Glenmore-road, August 22.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. (1887, August 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13647637

While the marriage of her youngest daughter was not one she could attend physically:

FLYNN— THERRY.- May 21st, at St. Joseph's Church, Woollahra, by the Rev. A. S. Mullan, Joseph Alban Flynn, M.A., solicitor, fourth son of John Flynn,' Willows,' Macquarie River, to Birdie (Frances May) youngest daughter of the late James Therry, Supervisor of Inland Revenue, ' Kingville,' Waterford, Ireland. Family Notices. (1890, June 7). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111116596

Helena Geraldine seems to have taken on the running of the boarding house and is certainly still there 14 years later when the lady who came from Ireland to nurse this large brood passed away:

DUGGAN— October 18, at the residence of Miss Therry, Glenmore-road, Catherine Duggan, the much beloved faithful servant and friend for 50 years of the late Mrs James Therry and family. Advertising. (1900, October 27). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11131254 

Our obituary list this week includes an announcement of the death of Catherine Duggan, the much-beloved faithful servant of the late Mrs. James Therry and family.' This family, which was closely related to Father Therry, of immortal memory in Australia, is at present represented by Mr. James Therry, Mrs. J. Flynn (Bondi), and Miss Therry (Glenmore-road, Paddington). The last named has nursed the old friend and servant of her childhood with a devotion and assiduity too rare throughout an illness which has lasted for many years past. As the last years of deceased were carefully tended, so her last hours and after were reverently seen to.— R.I. P.The Diocesan Consultors of the Archdiocese of Sydney. (1900, October 27). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111312532  - Helena Geraldine

The Therry bachelors and spinster remained together, perhaps following their mother's never recorded but clear 'look after your own' policy, and their next residence in John Street Woollahra, where no drunk records for Eugene appear, sheltered twenty years of a family life together:

THERRY.-December 1, 1917, at St. Vincent's Hospital, John Nicholas Therry, of 72 John-street, Woollahra. R.I.P.  Family Notices. (1917, December 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15738876 

THERRY.-February 9, at his residence, 72  John street, Woollahra. James Joseph Therry, Survey Draughtsman, son of the late James Therry. Esq.,Supervisor of Inland Revenue. Ireland.  Family Notices. (1931, February 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16754108 

DEATH.THERRY.— -September 5, at her residence, Woollahra, Helena Geraldine, daughter of the late James Therry, Esq., Supervisor of Inland Revenue, Ireland. May God reward her for her many kindly deeds while in health. Family Notices. (1932, September 15).Freeman's Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118087488 

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES- Probate Jurisdiction-In the Will of HELENA GERALDINE THERRY late of Woollahra near Sydney in the State of New South Wales Spinster deceased -Application will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament of the above named deceased may be granted to FRANCES MARY FLYNN the sole Executrix therein named and all persons having any claim against the Estate of the said deceased are required to forward particulars thereof within the said period to the undersigned at whose offices all notices may be served VINCENT JOHN FLYNN Proctor for Applicant Federal Mutual Chambers 129 Pitt street Sydney. Advertising. (1932, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16903035 

EUGENE THERRY: GRAND-NEPHEW OF PIONEER PRIEST.

On the 27th ult., Eugene Therry died at John street, Woollahra, aged 84 years. He was a link with the early history of Catholicity in Australia, dating back to 1820, when his grand-uncle, Father John Joseph Therry, arrived in Sydney to blaze the track of Catholicity in Australia. Archpriest Therry was joined by his sister, Ann, in Hobart (Tasmania); and then in the late sixties arrived in Sydney a nephew of the venerable pioneer, another John Joseph Therry, from Waterford. He came to this country in search of health, on the recommendation of his uncle, bringing with him his wife and family, accompanied by an Irish nurse. 

They settled at Mona Vale, just below Manly. John Joseph had been a supervisor of Inland Revenue, in Ireland. His duties brought him to various countries, so his children were born in different places. Eugene, the eldest, born in Tipperary, was predeceased by his brother, James Joseph. Another brother, Edward, died later. His sister, Helena Geraldine, died in 1932, two years before her sister, Mrs. Ormshy. Mrs. J. A. Flynn is the sole- survivor of the Therry family in Australia. She was very devoted to her brothers and sisters. 

The Rev. Father J. C. Baxtley, O.F.M., attended James, Helena and Eugene, and administered to them the rites of Holy Mother the Church. The interment took place on the 28h ult., in Waverley Cemetery. Among those at the graveside were Mrs. J. A. Flynn (sister), Mr. and Mrs. W. Goodman, Mr. Arran Ormsby, Mr. Boysie Ormsby, Mr. and Mrs. P.O. Flynn, Mr. V. J. Flynn, Mr. Albta Flynn, Mr. Gerald Bergin, Mrs. M. Hunt (housekeeper and nurse for five years), Mr. K. Kelly, Mr. Heffernan, Nurse Byrne, and Mr. Gard. Rev. Father J. C. Bartley, O.F.M., read the prayers at the grave side. — R.I.P. EUGENE THERRY: GRAND-NEPHEW OF PIONEER PRIEST. (1937, July 22). The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), p. 27. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article106338775

Despite not being able to see her, to hear her voice or marvel at all she must have accomplished despite losing some of those she adored, who remained a lady, launching her children into the world, it is apparent from what scant records that can be found Maria Louisa Therry did not go home to Ireland, did not sit down and wait for someone to help her back up and her children stayed too and were among those who built up and established a community of Irish people's and their religion here in a place where dignity and respect are given in accordance with what you do, not to whom you may be related.

Maria Louisa Therry was a champion - and a Pittwater Matriarch of the first degree. Her tears, and her laughter, are part of the valley of Mona Vale... even if this was more then a few breaths ago, you can still stand where she stood, in the same seasons, and wonder how someone who was so clearly a lady just kept going throughout a very hard life.

Above from Illustrated Sydney News -  1864 - Below -Manly 1875, courtesy State Library of Victoria. Image No. 3072303

Extras:

THE STORY OF MONA VALE.    

[Some of the facts disclosed below are so strange, and the condition of things stated to have prevailed for a long period and even to be yet existing, at Pitt Water, so extraordinary, that the writer thinks it necessary to say that, his information having been derived from investigations made personally on the spot, and confirmed in all essential particulars by official and other documentary evidence, the truth of the statements may be fully relied upon. — ED. Empire.]                      

EVERY person in the habit of paying the slightest attention to the proceedings in our local criminal courts, must have noticed for seven years past frequently recurring cases involving charges and counter-charges of perjury, cattle-stealing, assaults, and other crimes between the members of certain families residing in the district of Pitt Water. The latest result of these  criminal charges is that one of the litigants named Farrell, a man of considerable property, both freehold and personal, is now undergoing a sentence of seven years' hard labour. He was convicted on the 30th December, of the malicious destruction of cattle, the property of a Mr. Therry, his nearest neighbour. The countercharges brought by Farrell, before his conviction, against Mr. Therry and members of his family, were all dismissed by the magistrates before whom they were investigated, and the result clearly proved that they were concoctions of the most base and wicked description. While these charges and counter charges were pending, we thought it necessary to refrain from publishing many facts which had come to our knowledge respecting the persecution and ruin of the Therryfamily, and of previous occupants of the Mona Vale estate, by unprincipled neighbours, during a period extending over nearly a quarter of a century. The story of the misfortunes of the family who are at present tenants of the farm of Mona Vale is a most distressing one, and would, if not confirmed by undoubted testimony, be utterly incredible. But bad as have been the sufferings, and great as have been the wrongs of the Therrys, they have, so far, escaped with their lives, while one, at  least, of their predecessors at Mona Vale was foully murdered, in addition to having been persecuted and plundered of his property. The state of things which has prevailed at Pitt Water during the last twenty or twenty-five years has been such, it is to be hoped, as has never before prevailed in a Christian or any other country.

To make the circumstances connected with the wrongs and sufferings of the Therry family intelligible, it is necessary to give something like a twenty five years' history of the locality in which they live. The district called Pitt Water, as most of our readers are probably aware, is a part of the county of Cumberland, situate on the coast between Port Jackson and Broken Bay. It commences about eight miles north of Manly Beach, and extends along the shores of the Pacific for ten or twelve miles to the waters of Broken Bay. The first farms granted to private settlers, after the formation of the settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788, were in this district, and informer times a considerable quantity of land was in cultivation there; but for many years past the farms have been almost exclusively used for grazing and dairy purposes. There are not now above eight or ten families in the whole district, although, when tillage was more extensively pursued, the population was larger.

Near the middle of the Pitt Water district, that is, about a dozen miles from Manly Beach,  is situated the estate of Mona Vale, at present in the occupation of Mr. Therry, as tenant of the heirs or trustees of the late  Captain Darley. Mr. Therry's nearest neighbours on the south, or Manly Beachside, are a family part of whose members are named Collins and the others Poyner. On the north, or Broken Bay side, his nearest neighbours are the Farrells. It is the head of the latter family who is now undergoing a sentence of hard labour as before mentioned. Poyner, a near relative of the Collinses, and an inmate of their house, not long since finished a sentence of hard labour at Cockatoo for horse-stealing Collins, so far as is now known, has not been convicted of crime in this colony, but he has been for several years at large on recognisances to appear when called upon to answer a charge of murder. It is material to the understanding of what follows that the reader should bear in mind the above facts ; and this is the more desirable  

because there are other persons of the name of  Collins in the district, who are in no way related to the Collinses above referred to ; and are most respectable people, of irreproachable character. Mr. Therry's immediate neighbours, that is, the Collinses and the Farrells, are persons of considerable wealth. Collins was, many years since, servant to an oldman, the owner of the farm on which he lived. On his mister's death, the old gentleman having no relatives in the colony, Collins came into possession of the whole property.

The farm of Mona Vale, situated, as before stated, between the properties of the Farrellsand the Collinses, contains about a thousand acres of the best land in the district. All but a very small portion is unenclosed, and having been frequently unoccupied, the cattle of the Farrells on one side, and of the Collinses on the other, have been accustomed for many years to graze over nearly its whole extent. The occasional occupants of Mona Vale have invariably had their property stolen or destroyed, and have left the place under the impression, whether rightly or not we do not pretend to say, that the injuries were inflicted on them by their neighbours, in order to drive them from the spot — the depredators thereby securing for themselves the unrestrained enjoyment of a very valuable property.    

So far back as 1840, a Mr. Samuel Taylor  who had just arrived in the colony, with his wife and family, from England, purchased a farm at the locality in question, adjoining the Mona Vale farm. He immediately commenced to fence and improve it, and built a substantial house at a cost of £350 ; but Mrs. Taylor dying in Sydney just as the house was finished, and before it  was occupied, Mr. Taylor, instead of going into farming pursuits himself, determined to let the place. He shortly afterwards secured an eligible

tenant, who was about to take possession, when word was brought that the house and premises had been totally destroyed by fire. In a letter  received a few days since from Mr. Taylor, who  now resides in the Bathurst district, that gentle-man, in reference to the treatment which he experienced, says: "When it was known that I had let the place, those parties who had the benefit of my ground, and would of course lose the benefit of their cattle grazing there if the tenant had come, rendered the place useless to any one by maliciously firing the dwelling-house ; and the fences having all been destroyed, the place has lain waste ever  since ; and Mr. Farrell has had the use and benefit of my land for a number of years."

Soon after Mr. Taylor had abandoned his property, that is in 1843 or the following year, an elderly man named Foley, became the tenant  of Mona Vale. Foley had been a warder in the old debtors' prison, in Carters' Barracks, and was afterwards a milkman in Sydney. He was a man of most untiring energy and industry, of great fearlessness of character, and was not likely to allow his property to be destroyed with  impunity. His appearance at Mona Vale was the signal for renewed depredations. His fences were destroyed, an attempt was made to fire his house, a fine horse, valued at a hundred pounds, had its throat cut, and some of his cattle were driven away or destroyed. His opinion of some of his neighbours was very freely expressed, and he and his family consequently lived in a chronic state of warfare with those by whom they were surrounded. He had an only son, just approaching manhood, and two daughters a year or two younger. The unfortunate youth was, one day, discovered lying dead in the bush from a gunshot  wound. But whether he was killed by accident, or whether he was murdered, has never been satisfactorily ascertained.

All Foley's endeavours to bring the guilty wretches who were constantly destroying his property to justice were, for a long time, in vain. At last, however, in 1849, his house having been plundered, during his absence and that of his family, of almost everything it contained, he procured a search warrant, and on the premises of his neighbour Collins discovered some of the missing articles. Collins was thereupon committed for trial, but allowed bail. The time for the trial had nearly arrived, when one day (the 8th November, 1849), as the old man was returning home, driving his horse and cart, he was waylaid and foully murdered, within a short distance of his farm. He was discovered, a few hours afterwards, quite dead, shot through the heart. The charge had entered at the back and came out at the breast. The murderer had  evidently concealed himself, and awaited the approach of his victim, in a lilly-pilly bush by the road side. The police who examined the spot found the bushes arranged so as to form asmall bower, large enough to hide a man. At the entrance, or opening, were the marks of aman having knelt on one knee, as if to take aim, and at a little distance lay the wadding of the gun from which the fatal shot was fired. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of willful murder against Collins and Poyner.

Collins absconded the morning after the murder, but was taken some time afterwards at Pambula, Twofold Bay. His relative Poyner was, however, at once apprehended, and shortly afterwards put upon his trial for the murder. There was strong circumstantial evidence to connect him with the deed, but he was acquitted. Collins when captured was tried for the robbery of the house, but, as Foley, the only man who could give evidence against him, was dead, he was also acquitted. There was no tangible evidence to connect Collins with the murder. The strongest circumstance against him — his absconding immediately after the crime had been committed— was contended to be capable of explanation on the ground of his desire to escape the approaching trial for the robbery of the house.  Having been acquitted of the robbery, he was liberated on the charge of murder, on entering into recognisances to appear when called upon. Poyner was some time afterwards convicted of stealing a very valuable horse, the property of Miss Jenkins, the proprietor of another adjoining estate. Having served out his sentence at Cockatoo, he re-appeared two or three years since at his relatives' place at Pitt Water. Since then things have been worse than ever ; and it will give but a faint idea of the terror which at present prevails  among the few respectable inhabitants in thatlocality, when it is stated that even the men hardly dare leave their houses alone or unarmed in broad daylight. With females, it is, of course, still worse ; and valuable animals have frequently had to be taken into the dwelling houses at night to prevent their destruction.    

After old Mr. Foley's murder, the cattle of his neighbours, Farrell and Collins, again grazed unchecked over the Mona Vale estate. The place since then has been let to several successive tenants; but the results, although not quite so tragical as in his case, have been fully as disastrous in a pecuniary point of view. It would occupy too much space to enter into a detail hereof all that has taken place at Mona Vale during the last fifteen years ; and we will, therefore, proceed to give a short outline of the trials and losses of Mr. Therry, the present tenant.

Mr. James Therry, a relative of the late venerable Father Therry, and also of Judge Therry, arrived in New South Wales, with Mrs. Therry, a family of eight children, and an old and attached servant, by the ship Queen of Australia, about the middle of 1862. Mr. Therry had held a good Government appointment at home, which he left to come to this colony, at the invitation of his relative, the late Father Therry. A few days after his arrival, Mr. Therry went on an excursion to Pitt Water, and while there was charmed with the scenery, fertility, and appearance of the Mona Vale estate, which was then unoccupied. He had resolved to enter into farming pursuits, and thinking, from its proximity to the metropolis, and the advantages it seemed to possess, that Mona Vale would suit his purpose exceedingly well, he soon became its tenant. The house, which was then in a dilapidated state, was soon put into a fit condition for the residence of a respectable family ; the fences were repaired, valuable livestock was purchased, and the necessary farming implements provided. Mr. Therry intended to carry on dairy farming on a large scale, and amongst his stock were about fifty choice milch cows, selected from the best herds in the colony. The house was furnished at a cost of about £150, and Mrs. Therry and her large family were about to occupy it, when Mr. Therry, having gone to Sydney to make arrangements for their removal, found, when he returned to the spot with his wife and children, the place  reduced to ashes. The fiendish incendiary had gone to work during his absence, set fire to the place, and totally consumed both the dwelling house and out offices. Nothing was left in which the family could take shelter, and a respectable household of eleven persons,  accustomed to every comfort and convenience, was reduced to the necessity of erecting a refuge from the weather, composed of sods, pieces of canvas, and such few odds and ends as had escaped destruction. In this wretched abode they lived for several months — fearing if they left the spot for an hour that their live stock, now their only dependence, would be driven off or destroyed.

The writer of this notice, a short time after the fire, happened to pass through the district. At the remains of the ruined homestead, he saw standing near what had been the hearth of the burnt dwelling-house, a woman, who, from her manners and conversation, was evidently a lady. A number of young children were gathered round a small hovel which had been erected on a rising ground beyond. These persons and their surroundings appeared so singular and so incompatible with each other, as to lead to inquiries, and the result is now before the reader.

At the inquest on the fire, evidence was given which threw strong suspicion upon Farrell as the incendiary ; and the coroner expressed in very plain terms his opinion of his guilt ; but the jury did not think there was sufficient evidence to justify a verdict against him.

The burning of their house was but the beginning of the troubles of the Therry family. Not-withstanding all their watchfulness, a few days afterwards, several of their cattle were found dead. They had been driven into nearly inaccessible gulleys and shot. In a short time three or four others disappeared, and after a long search their carcases were discovered — all bearing marks of gunshot wounds. The next loss was the disappearance of ten milch cows. A few days after this occurrence, as Mr. Therry could discover the carcases of but nine animals, he procured a search warrant and found on Farrell's premises the remains of a recently slaughtered cow. One of the missing cows had been a favourite with the Therry family, from the fact of having a peculiar mark on her coat, which they said resembled the shape of Ireland on the map. They called her Tuffy, and with that clinging recollection of old country associations which people of Irish birth retain in such intensity, the cow, from the circumstance to which we have referred, was treated as a pet, and the peculiarity of the mark frequently referred to. They were accordingly able to identify a part of a hide discovered at Farrell's place as that of the cow in question. Proceedings were thereupon taken against Farrell, and he was committed for trial, but allowed bail. In the mean-time the Therrys, being in daily dread of assassination, had applied for and obtained the protection of an officer of police, who often remained on the premises day and night. Still their cattle were slaughtered, their fences destroyed, and other depredations committed as before. Their whole stock was by this time reduced to seventeen cows and two horses. The weather during the greater part of the time they remained in the hovel they had at first constructed was most unfavourable, and after some months they were enabled to erect a rough building of slabs. They were, by this time all but utterly ruined. The frequent attendances which they had been obliged to give at the Police Court in Sydney, and the cost to which they were put in procuring legal advice and in prosecuting their oppressors, had exhausted all the means at their command, while they were prevented by almost constantly recurring troubles and annoyances from attending to the affairs of the farm, and making the best of the few that were left of their dairy cows.

Farrell's Beach and Bushrangers Hill, Newport from Small Picture File, Courtesy Mitchell Library.

In the midst of all their troubles, almost the only friend and relative they had in the country, the Rev. Father Therry, died suddenly. Their landlord, the late Captain Darley, who had taken much interest in their affairs, had died in a similarly sudden manner a short time before. Father Therry's will had been made many years previously to the Therry family coming to the country, and contained no provision for their benefit, although it is probable, if his life had been spared a little longer, that he would have disposed of a part, at least, of his property  differently.  

Their few well disposed neighbours were almost unanimous in advising the Therry family to leave Mona Vale, in order to save their lives. But Mr. Therry, rendered desperate by his losses and the treatment he had received, determined never to leave the place while there was a chance of obtaining justice against his oppressors. 

Mrs. Therry and the female portion of the family, were, however, removed to Manly Beach. The father and four boys, mere children, remained on the spot. With firearms inconstant readiness, the father mostly watched at night and the children by day. Their case had grown so urgent, previous to this, that the Government had thought it necessary to place two constables (one of them a mounted trooper)in their immediate neighbourhood. Still the work of destruction went on, and at last the whole of their remaining milch cows, seventeen in number, were swept off at once ; and so secretly was this effected that their carcases even could not be discovered for a long time.

The well-disposed part of the neighbours —all who had shown the Therry family the slightest sympathy or afforded them the smallest assistance — were likewise placed under the ban of the wretches who had treated them so shamefully. Some of their animals were driven off or destroyed, and they as well as the Therrys lived in a constant state of terror ;seldom venturing out unarmed, and being in dread of having their houses burnt over their heads. They are in this state at the present moment. To their credit, however, be it said, they did not allow a feeling of selfishness to deter them from doing their duty. Though they numbered but five or six families in all, they subscribed one hundred pounds as a reward for the discovery of the perpetrator or perpetrators of the atrocious crimes to which we have above referred. The Government added fifty pounds to the reward of one hundred, offered by the neighbours, and, in addition to the two policemen already on the spot, sent McGlone, the detective officer who had just previously captured Gardiner, with instructions to spare no exertions in detecting the guilty parties and bringing them to justice.  

In the meantime, pending these arrangements, Farrell had been brought to trial for stealing and slaughtering Mr. Therry's cow. The evidence of Mrs. and Miss Therry as to the peculiar mark on the hide, "resembling Ireland on the map,” was clear and distinct, but Mr. Isaacs, as counsel for the prisoner, contended that even allowing, for the sake of argument, that the piece of hide produced was that of the cow in question, it only proved that Farrell had made a mistake and killed Therry's cow instead of his own. Eleven of the jury were for a conviction, but one stood out, and they were ultimately discharged without arriving at a verdict ; the prisoner being remanded on bail, until the next sitting of the court.

Mr. Therrys live stock had been reduced to two horses when McGlone appeared upon the scene. That officer commenced his investigations very skilfully and cautiously, and did not take any open steps until he had made himself acquainted with the characters, habits, and circumstances of the people of the district.

Farrell's first step on being allowed bail was to institute a prosecution against Mrs. and Miss Therry for perjury, in swearing that the piece of hide found on his premises was that of their cow Tuffy. The animal in question had, it appears, very peculiar horns, one of them being broken and hanging down at the side of her head. Farrell, in his evidence at the Police office, against Mrs. and Miss Therry, produced the head of a bullock which  he stated to be that of the one from which the piece of hide sworn to as having belonged to Tuffy was taken. It was evident that, if Farrell's story was true, Mrs. and Miss Therry must have committed perjury, because the horns of the head produced were very different from those described as having belonged to Tuffy. It was noticed when this bullock's head was produced in court by Farrell that he handled it very tenderly. This might be accounted for perhaps from its dirty condition, its appearance being as if it had lain in a mud hole. Some of the hair remained on the head, but its colour could scarcely  be ascertained on account of the mud  with which it was encrusted. The magistrate, Mr. George Hill, in order to ascertain the real colour of the hair, and perhaps suspecting something wrong from the gingerly way in which Farrell handled the head, ordered it to be taken out and washed. When this was done  it was discovered that not only was the colour of the hair different from that of the piece of hide, but that the horns were actually fastened on the head by artificial means ! They were secured in their places by small French nails.

On this discovery, Mrs. and Miss Therry were of course discharged at once. But it may give some idea of the annoyance and expense to which they were put by repeated journeys to Sydney, and in defraying legal and other costs, when we state that the investigations connected  with these two cases at the Police Court extended over a month.

Detective McGlone, after a time, discovered a means by which some, at least, of the crimes committed might be brought home to the guilty parties. There had been in the service of Farrell for several years a youth named Malcolm Turner. This young man absconded from Farrell's place shortly after the last of Therry's cattle —that is, the seventeen milch cows — had been destroyed. It was believed that this youth could, if he liked, give such information as would throw considerable light upon the affair. He was discovered residing at Lane Cove, and after some time, agreed to point out to a Mr. McMahon the spot where the remains of the slaughtered animals were to be seen. He said he left Farrell's place because, having a knowledge of the crimes which had been committed, he considered his life in danger while he remained there. He took the person to whom he made this communication at once to the place where the seventeen carcases lay. It was an almost inaccessible gully. He also pointed out, at  other places, the carcases of other cattle of Therry's which had been destroyed. His story was that he had been sent with Poyner to drive the seventeen head to where they had been shot. That Poyner had shot all except one or two, which he, Turner, shot at Poyner's command, being under fear of the consequences if he  refused. He stated that he had previously assisted Farrell in killing the ten head, of which Tuffy was one, in much the same way as he had afterwards assisted Poyner. He had at first refused, but Farrell having taunted him with cowardice and not being " game," and fearing the consequences to himself if he did not comply, he had at last shot one of them — Farrell shooting the others himself.  

With this additional evidence of Turner’s Farrell was again placed upon his trial. The  case against him was now complete, and after a trial extending over several days, during which a number of very remarkable facts came to light, he was, on the 30th ultimo, convicted and sentenced to seven years' hard labour. Criminal prosecutions were also instituted against Mrs. Farrell, and Poyner, but the cases against them have not yet come before a jury.

Many extraordinary facts in addition to those above related, have come to our knowledge in connection with the Mona Vale crimes, and the persecutions of the Therry family, but as they involve charges in cases where no legal proceedings have been taken, and consequently do not rest upon sworn testimony, we think it advisable not to relate them at present.

Persons who have never visited the district of Pitt Water will probably wonder how such a series of crimes, extending over many years, could have been committed with impunity. It will be difficult for a stranger to the neighbourhood to comprehend how cattle could be killed, or driven away, while their owners were almost constantly on the watch. To those who know the place the matter needs no explanation. The district consists of a series of bold headlands, sandhills, lagoons, and gullies. The country is for the most part covered with thick scrub, and scarcely any of the houses are less than two miles distant from each other. The largest portion of the estates are almost entirely unfenced, and consequently it is impossible to keep cattle always insight, and often difficult to find them when they are almost close at hand.

The district is a very picturesque one. The road, or rather pathway through it, winds about— sometimes on the verge of lofty cliffs, sometimes through deep gullies, where the cabbage-tree and tree fern flourish, sometime over bleak hills and sandy dunes, descending at times to fertile  grassy flats, and intercepted at places by pretty lagoons and babbling brooks.  One or two of the cottages are pictures of rural taste and neatness. The whole district being nearly surrounded by the waters of Broken Bay on the one side, and those of Port Jackson on the other, and there being no practicable road by which it can be reached from Sydney, either in a vehicle or on horse-back, although within little more than a dozen miles as the crow flies, it has remained for many years almost unknown, and, to a certain extent, shut in from the inhabitants of the rest of the colony. To this circumstance is perhaps to be ascribed the comparative impunity with which crime has been  perpetrated, and the little attention the strange facts above related have hitherto received in Sydney. It is hardly necessary to say, after the above disclosures, that there is not and never has been such a thing as a church, chapel, or school-house in the whole district.  

The thanks of the community are due to detective McGlone for the energy and sagacity with which he has acted in bringing Farrell to justice. It is to be hoped that the proceedings which have been initiated against others will be prosecuted to a successful issue, if they are guilty —for it is melancholy to know — as we are assured is the case — that the few respectable inhabitants at Pitt Water are still living in constant fear not only of the destruction of their property but of their lives. Mr. Therry and his boys still stick to their hut, although all their property is destroyed, determined not to budge while one of the gang remains unconvicted.  THE STORY OF MONA VALE. (1865, January 20). Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60564465

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EMPIRE.

Sir, — Having read with much interest your " Story of Mona Vale" may I bring before your notice, or rather the notice of the public, one party to whom the inhabitants of Pitt Water are much indebted — I mean Constable John Sheaves, of the Manly district. To him we are indebted for the first discovery of the piece of cowhide, being a portion of the hide of one of my cows, for which Farrell was prosecuted in 1863, and to whose sterling honesty and unshrinking perseverance in the discharge of his duty, by bringing every legal means to  bear upon the suppression of crime, too much praise cannot be bestowed.    

If an honest man and a faithful servant can add efficiency to a government department, the police authorities may be proud of Mr. Sheaves.  

I have the honor to be, Sir,  

Your obedient servant,

JAMES THERRY.

[In connexion with what appeared in the Empire respecting Mona Vale, we take this opportunity of stating that we have been requested by a relative of the late Mr. Foley to say that he occupied the estate in question many years earlier than the date we mentioned, and that, although he was for a short time a constable, he accepted that position only that he might be the better able to protect his property, and deal with the lawless characters in his neighbourhood. — Ed. Empire.] TO THE EDITOR OF THE EMPIRE. (1865, January 25). Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60564744

MANLY BEACH.

Notwithstanding the attractions of the Review in the Domain, and the numerous other inviting points of interest offered to those who ever enjoy the return of her Majesty's birthday, Manly Beach did not fail to draw to its favourite retreats a large proportion of the outpouring population of the city. Still the steamers were not so crowded as heretofore, and the trips to and fro were performed with a comparatively large degree of comfort,-this being due, in a great measure, to the excellent arrangements of the H. R. N. S. N. Company, who placed two of their fine ocean steamships (the City of Newcastle and the Paterson) upon this line. These two vessels plied during the day so as to bring up returning parties before nightfall and the Williams was then put on to convey back those who remained later. 

Steamboat pier at Manly circa 1887, image No.:  a17135, courtesy State LIbrary of NSW.

Many hundreds visited this romantic place on Saturday, appearances suggesting that they were deter-mined to be social, cheerful, or jolly under any credit-able circumstances. In small bands they explored the verdant recesses of the surrounding bush, or sauntered o'er the beach to take a sniff of the briny ; some sought amusement in the frolicsome sallies or stubborn caprices of Jerusalem ponies, and others laughed at the stupid exhibitions their fellows made of themselves in the labyrinths of the maze. The Fairy Bower still had charms for a certain class of visitors After freely roaming over the wide expanse, and breathing the cool fresh air which braced up the nerves to fiddle-string tension, and created a desire in the alimentary organs like that said to be peculiar to a hunter, small knots or parties settled down socially to partake of the portable refreshments at their command, cosily picnicing in the most picturesque nooks in the fern-strewed bush or upon the ocean-beaten shore. Common observation on numerous occasions induces the conviction that those who most enjoy Manly-for there are always many visitors who, puffing a cigar or meerschaum, lounge about the hotels and find some diversion in quizzing the various couples or parties that pass, or in watching the different nodes of enjoyment by others-are those who partake of the activity around them, and join in cheering intercourse and Spirit-stirring joviality. For who among the least hearty or most fastidious in gastronomies, could ramble through the grounds, climb the cliff, or scramble among the rocks, for a few hours in such invigorating weather as that of Saturday, and not sit down with a few friends in some sheltered recess, and discuss even a-ham or beef sandwich end a moderate potation of XXX or bohea, with a zest that almost doubles the enjoyment, whilst in the same degree strengthening physical humanity, and rendering bilious acidity of temper an impossibility. The Manly Beach excursionists were, no doubt, the more numerous of any that left the city, though the aquatic trips to other localities were more than ordinarily numerous, und must have diverted many w ho almost habitually visit the Beach on festival days.

No untoward event that we are aware of occurred to cast the slightest shade over the enjoyment of the holiday at Manly, and the return was made with as much comfort as the trip thereto.

MANLY BEACH. (1862, May 26). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13229235

A MANLY LANDMARK.— This picture show, the old Pier Hotel at Manly, opposite the wharf. It is now demolished so that a more elaborate structure can be erected. WALKING-STICKS FOR DOG-LOVERS [?] THE GRAFTON DISTRICT. (1924, January 7). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 10. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119199200 

CORONER'S INQUEST AT MANLY BEACH.

An inquest on the body of Mrs. Lavinia Maria Collins, who had been found dead at a late  hour on Friday night, was held on Saturday at the Pier Hotel, Manly Beach. The following was the evidence adduced :—

Thomas Collins, the first witness examined, deposed : I have been living in the Pitt Water district for thirty-two years. I am a farmer, and live seven or eight miles from Manly Beach. The deceased,Lavinia Maria Collins, aged thirty-nine years, was my wife ; she was a native of Cornwall, England. I have been married to her since she  was eighteen years of age. She always transacted my business. We had breakfast about nine o'clock on Friday morning, after which she started for Manly Beach. She went with potatoes, cabbage, and butter, in a cart drawn by one horse. She could drive, and the horse was a quiet animal, four years old. I expected her home about dark — a Mrs.Wright accompanied her. She was a sober woman, and all the liquor she would take was a glass of ale. Poyner went to meet deceased; he is her uncle, and onthe best of terms with her. Poyner came home this morning quite wet, and asked for a dry shirt. He said deceased was dangerously wounded at ManlyBeach. She had often told me she was frightened to go along the road. I did not believe it. She was once, some years ago, molested on the road. I am satisfied that her uncle would not injure her. When I pressedhim to tell  me, he said my wife was dead, and he did not wish to tell me so before. From what I saw Ishould say the dray was overturned by coming in contact with a stump.

By a juror: About four years ago the dray was overturned, and my wife was injured.

Margaret Frazer, wife of David Frazer, stonemason,  living near the Camera Tower, Manly Beach, de-posed : A road from the beach to the Pitt Waterroad passes our house. About half-past seven o'clock  on Friday evening, deceased came to my place in a cart,and delivered some butter and potatoes. She did not get out of the cart, but from her manner I was led to believe that she was under the influence of drink. I gave her a cup of tea. She stopped about five minutes,and then started the horse at a trot. She was seated in the bottom of the cart, and could see what was in  front of her. I was speaking to her until she wentabout twenty yards from my place. She said she was not frightened to go on the road. "When I last saw her the cart was in the centre of the bush-track.About half-past 11 o'clock, her uncle, Frank Poyner came to my place for a light, saying that Mrs. Collins was nearly dead. He said she was lying on the road ; that the dray had turned over. My husband accompaniedhim to where she was lying. Poyner is in Collins'employ, and is a middle-aged man. I have seen deceased under the influence of drink previous to Friday.I am satisfied that no person touched or interfered with her.    

By a juror : I thought deceased was too fresh from drink to go home on Friday evening. I did not ask her to stop at my place. My husband works in a forge close to our place, and the noise he made while working until half-past eight would prevent my hearing any noise in the neighbourhood.

By Coroner : It was a dark night, and she was not  near-sighted. My husband said the dray was not resting on deceased.

Francis Poyner, on oath, said : I am 42 years of age, a native of England, and have been 32 years in the colony. I am a single man, and have been 15 or 16 years living with the Collins's, off and on, as a servant. I was deceased's uncle. Between nine and ten o'clock on Friday morning, I took her, accompanied by a Mrs. Wright, across the lagoon. About dusk I crossed the lagoon again to meet her. Finding she was not there, I went along the road, asis my custom, to meet her. I did not meet her, and came right into Manly Beach, and met two men — I think I know them — sitting by Mr.George Smith's fence. They asked me who I was. Imade no reply, and one said, "Is your name Cooper."I made no reply, but passed on. I know Cooper ; he lives at Pitt Water. I reached Cook's public-house about half-past eleven, knocked, and  inquired about deceased. Mrs. Cook said she had gone home hours ago, and Mr. Cook said that she went towards Frazer's. I went there, and not seeing the cart, I proceeded along the road, and heard the horse whining. When I reached him I found him standing harnessed to the dray, which was overturned, and is now in the same position. I went round the dray and found deceased lying on the ground in the same position  as the body is now. Finding her body cold, and that she did not speak, I went back to Frazer's, got a light, returned with Frazer, and then saw that deceased was dead. There was a great deal of blood about her head.The horse was attached to the shafts by one chain only,and the belly band. The straddle was a new one, and the strap passing through it was undone. I  saw blood on the left rump of the  horse. He is very quiet, and was never shod. I left Manly Beach at daylight. I was on horseback, and it was raining. I told Collins he was wanted at Manly Beach, as his wife was injured.I did not like to tell him that she was dead. He got annoyed at me, and I was obliged to tell him. I never saw deceased the worse for liquor. I have seen her take a glass or two of ale.  

By the Coroner : I have gone along the road before,fearing something would happen to her. From what I have seen, I believe the dray was overturned by the wheel coming in contact with the stump on the side of the road. If the wheel came in contact with a stump,the horse, unless frightened, would stop. The stump in question is at the corner of the road. The piece of chain produced is like part of the chain of the  harness. One of the links is broken. Mrs. Collins told me that she feared somebody would hurt her on the road. She was not on good terms with Miss Jenkins.

By a juror : The horse's head was under the shaft, and the collar turned upside down. By Coroner : The horse's hind legs were towards deceased ; her head was towards the dray ; the shafts towards the stump. I traced the track of the wheel to the stump, on the top of which there were marks of grazing. Marks of the same kind were on the butt of a tree next to the stump.The ground under the wheel is not torn up ; the soil is sandy, and the marks may have been obliterated by the rain. I saw large nailed shoe marks on the sand.Constable Sheaves was called immediately, and I showed him the marks which led to the body.From what I saw, I thought there had been a scuffle there ; there were marks showing that the horse had stepped about. I saw some blood on the iron on the shafts near the top where the chains are fastened.I saw no blood on the ground under the shaft.  

Margaret King, aged 14 years, in Mrs. Fraser's service, deposed to handing deceased a cup of tea. I got up on the cart, and I smelled ale upon her. I saw her vomit up something. She knew what she was doing,  but was not in a fit state to take the horse home that night.

Senior-sergeant Steel deposed: The case was reported at 4 o'clock on Saturday morning. I came down with detectives Lyons and Elliott and made  every inquiry. We visited the spot, and the cart was turned round. I found that the portion of the shaft with blood on it came directly over where deceased's head was resting on the ground. I also found that the wheel track and marks on the stump and tree corresponded with the wheel-tire. There is no doubt that the wheel passed over the stump and butt, capsizing the dray, which was slewed round to the left by the horse leaning in the position described. I found two portemonnaies in deceased's pocket, one containing memos, and the other 23s. 3d. On removing the body, I found a black straw hat smeared with  blood directly under the head. I do believe the upsetting of the dray was the cause of her death, and I am led to believe that she was under the influence of drink at the time.            

William H. Cook, deposed : I keep the Manly Beach Hotel. Deceased frequented my house. She drank in  moderation. Her drink was ale. On Friday evening she had three glasses of ale at my place, from four to seven o'clock. She treated people, and was only a little merry when she left, the time near seven o'clock. She took half a pint of rum with her. Frazer's house is about a quarter of a mile from my place. About 11 o'clock Poyner called, and I directed him to go to Frazer's.  

By Coroner : As it was late I asked deceased to stop at my place. She declined, saying Poyner would meet her on the road. She has left my house at all hours.The rum was in a small ale bottle.  

Jane Grey, deposed : I keep a shop next to the Pier Hotel. Deceased left me some butter on Friday evening. I never saw her so much under the influence of drink as she then was.    

Constable Lamont deposed : I found the bottle produced containing rum, in a bag where the occurrence happened.  

William H. Cook recalled, deposed : The bottle containing the rum produced, is like the one I gave deceased.

Myles Egan, a duly qualified medical practitioner deposed : I made a post mortem examination of the body of deceased. There was a large scalp wound on the left side of the head. Going to the skull there was an extensive fracture of the parietal and temporal bones, and I believe such injury was the cause of death.The injury was most likely caused by the iron bolt on the shaft of the dray, on which there was blood and hair. The injury was not inflicted with a sharp instrument. Death was probably instantaneous.    

The jury returned the following verdict : "We find that the deceased, Lavinia Maria Collins, aged 39 years,died from injuries received accidentally, by the upsetting of a dray, on the evening of the 27th instant." CORONER'S INQUEST AT MANLY BEACH. (1865, January 30).Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60564901

ALDIS, Hannah (Mrs. W. H. PALMER)

Pianist (pupil of Boulanger)

Born Sydney, 1839

Died Sydney, 25 November 1912, aged 73

Summary: Two published prints were dedicated to her, Miska Hauser’s impromptu Australian Flowers in December 1856, and the Rosalind Schottische, “dedicated to Miss Aldis by the composer Douglas Callen”  in 1859.

Obituary: The death took place on Monday at her residence, Ocean street, Woollahra, of Mrs. Hannah Hay Palmer, at the age of 73 years. Mrs Palmer was a native of Sydney. Her father was Mr. W. H. Aldis, a merchant of this city in the early days. Old colonists will recollect Mrs. Palmer as a lady of high musical talent. There is a link connecting her with Chopin. She was a pupil of Boulanger, and he, in turn, was a pupil of the great composer. Miss Aldis was a brilliant pianist, and when a girl of 14 she gained distinction by her playing at the opening of the Sydney University. For many years Miss Aldis (afterwards Mrs. Palmer) took part in the leading concerts of Sydney, and was a prominent figure in the musical world […] Her daughter is Miss Gertrude Palmer, who is a well-known solo pianist and accompanist […].

References:

 “REVIEW”, The Sydney Morning Herald (24 December 1856), 5: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12990464; “SYDNEY PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY”, The Sydney Morning Herald (18 April 1857), 4: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12994343; “MARRIAGES”, Empire (24 November 1863), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60552052; “MRS. W. H. PALMER’S CONCERT”, The Sydney Morning Herald (1 May 1869), 4: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13181296; “Mrs. Palmer’s concert”, The Sydney Morning Herald (23 October 1884), 10: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13583148; “THE METROPOLITAN LIEDERTAFEL”, The Sydney Morning Herald (29 August1884), 8: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13569075; “DEATHS”, The Sydney Morning Herald (26 November 1912), 8: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15378407; “PERSONAL”, The Sydney Morning Herald (27 November 1912), 18:http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15378528

Associations: Daughter of W. H. Aldis; pupil of Edward Boulanger; wife of W. H. Palmer; mother of Gertrude Palmer

ALDIS, William Henry

Amateur vocalist

Born ? UK, 1805

Active Sydney, 1828-1867

Died Sydney, 21 January 1872, aged 67 years

Summary: By May 1828 William Aldis was collector or monies for The Sydney Gazette, later for The Sydney Herald, and afterward town collector. “Mr. Aldis” appeared a glee singer with Maria Taylor and Conrad Knowles in George Gordonovitch’s concert in January 1835, and took over Gordonovitch’s tobacco business in 1837. He was one of the principal vocalists in Deane’s concert in May 1836, and in Wallace’s oratorio at St. Mary’s in September. He sold tickets for Deane’s concert in 1842, though later was in business for while in Brisbane. He was a friend of Ludwig Leichhardt, and, by Leichhardt’s own accound, the first to recognise the explorer on his unexpected return to Sydney in 1846. Aldis was honorary treasurer of the Sydney Philharmonic Society in 1860 and the Sydney Vocal Harmonic Society in 1861. He was declared insolvent in 1867, and died in 1872 “an old and much respected colonist”. His daughter Hannah Aldis (Mrs. W. H. Palmer) (above) and granddaughter (Miss Gertrude Palmer) were both professional musicians.

Leichhardt 1846 (Argus 1865): An intelligent, much-liked tobacco merchant, named Aldis, had assisted me when I started before most friendly and strongly, and he was the first whom I met when I landed. When he had recollected me (and this took a pretty long time) he gave vent to his feelings in such a glorifying welcome that I did not know what to think of it. And when he accompanied me to Lynd’s house, and called out to everybody in the street. “There is Leichardt, whom we buried long ago, about whom we sang songs of death; he comes from Port Essington, and has conquered the wilderness.”

References: 

[Advertisement], The Sydney Gazette (14 May 1828), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2190392; “MR. GORDONOVITCH’S CONCERT”, The Sydney Gazette (22 January 1835), 2: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2197118; “CONCERT”,The Australian (23 January 1835), 2: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42009914; [Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (12 May 1836), 3: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28654818; [News], The Sydney Gazette (14 March 1837), 3: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2209888; [Advertisement], Australasian Chronicle (10 September 1842), 3: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31737126; [Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (14 December 1861), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13057346; “LEICHHARDT’S LAST HOME CORRESPONDENCE”, The Argus (13 September 1865), 5: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5769161; “DIED”, The Sydney Morning Herald (27 January 1872), 1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13251414

Bibliography: William Henry Aldis, DAAO

Associations: Father of Hannah Aldis (Mrs. W. H. Palmer), grandfather of Gertrude Palmer

Plate 2. 'Leichhardt Lodge', Newtown. Built by W. H. Aldis and named after his friend, the explorer Leichhardt. Stephen Campbell Brown lived for some years in this house.

Matriarchs of Pittwater I - Maria Louisa Therry - threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon, 2014.